MAKE IT IN THE EMIRATES THE POWERHOUSE FOR GLOBAL EXCELLENCE KHALEEJ TIMES | TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
UAE SETS THE STAGE FOR INDUSTRIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY A national mission to localise production, enhance resilience, and drive growth Sana Eqbal sana@khaleejtimes.com
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s global supply chains face unprecedented shifts and trade dynamics grow more complex, the UAE is stepping forward with a clear vision: to reshape its industrial future from within. At the heart of this transformation is the Make it in the Emirates initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). More than just a campaign, it’s a strategic movement aimed at localising production, strengthening economic resilience, and positioning the UAE as the industrial gateway to the wider Middle East. The event runs until May 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), where the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum is going to unfold under the theme “Advanced Industries Accelerated”. Bringing together over 1,300 delegates, including top government officials, global investors, and industry innovators, the forum is set to spotlight opportunities across 12 priority sectors, driving new partnerships and unlocking long-term industrial growth. One of the most significant announcements in the lead-up to this year’s forum
is the UAE’s ambitious plan to locally manufacture 2,000 essential products that are currently imported. Announced by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, this move aims to achieve strategic self-sufficiency while supporting high-demand industries such as healthcare, food production, energy, space technology, and construction materials. “By identifying these 2,000 essential imported products, we are creating a roadmap for businesses and investors to tap into priority sectors with strong domestic demand,” Al Jaber stated during a recent press conference. “This is not just a call for investment - it’s a call to innovate, collaborate and build a future-ready industrial base for the UAE.” The updated focus goes well beyond traditional sectors. While metals, petrochemicals, and machinery remain vital, the forum will also spotlight fast-growing industries including electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and advanced technologies. The UAE-based
manufacturers are encouraged to seize these opportunities, with support from national procurement strategies and long-term government partnerships. ECONOMIC RESILIENCE THROUGH LOCAL PRODUCTION The shift towards self-reliant manufacturing is more than just a response to global supply chain volatility - it is a strategic economic pivot. In 2024, the UAE recorded a foreign trade volume exceeding Dh5 trillion, with a trade surplus of over Dh490 billion. However, as global geopolitical shifts, protectionist policies, and trade tariffs create uncertainty, the UAE is doubling down on domestic capabilities to ensure uninterrupted access to critical goods and materials. Al Jaber highlighted how the UAE is leveraging its geographic advantages, strong logistics infrastructure, and regulatory transparency to build bridges with global manufacturers and partners. “We are distinguished by our adaptability,” he noted. “The UAE is not just keeping pace with
global trends - it is helping to define them.” The Make it in the Emirates platform is as much about enabling business as it is about building factories. Investors attending the forum are introduced to a suite of competitive incentives — from advanced technology and equipment financing via Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to long-term golden residency visas, and full foreign ownership options across most sectors. The government also offers robust support through export credit insurance, favourable land lease terms, and streamlined licensing procedures. This business-friendly environment is backed by access to global markets through an extensive network of trade agreements, allowing manufacturers to re-export with ease. Furthermore, the forum provides exceptional visibility into national procurement needs. By aligning industrial priorities with purchasing plans of the UAE’s largest companies, the initiative offers unmatched clarity and confidence to investors planning long-term operations.
FROM PLATFORM TO NATIONAL PROGRAMME What began as an industrial forum has now evolved into a comprehensive economic programme. The Make it in the Emirates platform has grown to reflect the UAE’s overarching industrial strategy: to diversify the economy, increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP, and create a sustainable base of high-value jobs. In fact, 12 of the UAE’s largest companies have already identified more than 300 products across 11 sectors for local production. With a combined purchase value of Dh110 billion, these agreements are expected to add Dh6 billion annually to the GDP. This year’s edition will go further, with a focus on product localisation and showcasing over 5,000 goods now made in the UAE. From textiles and crafts to space tech and AI-driven manufacturing, the forum highlights the country’s industrial evolution and its readiness to lead in the fourth industrial revolution. A SHARED VISION As Al Jaber puts it, Make it in the Emirates is “more than just an event — it’s a movement.” It brings together manufacturers, government agencies, financiers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders with a shared goal: building an inclusive and sustainable industrial future. The forum’s theme, Invest, Partner, Grow, reflects a broader national ambition — one rooted in economic diversification, regional cooperation, and global competitiveness. It is a signal to the world that the UAE is not just open for business, it is actively shaping the business of tomorrow. With the tools, infrastructure, leadership, and vision in place, the UAE’s call to “make it” is now louder and more compelling than ever. And for those looking to be part of the Middle East’s industrial revolution, there may be no better time or place to start.
FROM LOCAL INNOVATION TO GLOBAL IMPACT
THE POWERHOUSE FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL EXCELLENCE EMSTEEL is reinforcing its commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi’s role as an industrial powerhouse on a global scale
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MSTEEL has emerged as a key enabler of the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme and views its contribution not just as a compliance obligation, but as a strategic enabler for investing in the growth and resilience of the national industrial ecosystem. In 2024, EMSTEEL invested nearly Dh3.5 billion in local procurement, engaging over 1,365 UAE-based suppliers and directing 48.2 per cent of its procurement spending towards local businesses. Furthermore, 86 per cent of new suppliers in the Group’s Steel Division and 34 per cent in the Cement Division were ICV-certified, reflecting the company’s deliberate efforts to enhance local sourcing and amplify the multiplier effect across the national economy. The company currently commands a significant share of the UAE’s industrial output, contributing 10 per cent to Abu Dhabi’s
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO, EMSTEEL non-oil manufacturing sector and holding a 60 per cent share of the national steel market. Through the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, the company produces high-quality steel and building materials that serve the needs of the construction, engineering, and energy sectors both locally and globally. Aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300bn strategy, EMSTEEL has launched comprehensive initiatives to support Emiratisation and nurture the next generation of industrial leaders. The company is proud to report an Emiratisation
rate of 52 per cent across leadership, operational, and strategic planning roles. The strong representation of UAE nationals highlights EMSTEEL’s dedication to creating sustainable and aspirational career pathways for Emiratis in the manufacturing sector. As a key player in the UAE’s industrial transformation and the first steelmaker in the world to capture part of its CO2 emissions, EMSTEEL continues to set benchmarks for sustainable innovation and performance, building a stronger, more resilient future for the country’s economy.
As a key player in ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’, Ducab reinforces its role in advancing the UAE’s Vision 2031
terials while contributing to the local economy. These collaborations, coupled with Ducab’s active role in iconic national projects, have helped position it as a trusted and agile partner in the UAE and abroad.
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s the UAE accelerates toward becoming a global hub for sustainable industrial development, Ducab Group stands proudly at the forefront of this transformation. A leading provider of end-to-end energy solutions, Ducab’s participation in the 2025 edition of Make it in the Emirates underscores its commitment to local manufacturing, innovation, and the national economic vision. DRIVING INDUSTRIAL EXCELLENCE FROM THE UAE TO THE WORLD With operations spanning more than 75 international markets, Ducab is a leader of Emirati industrial capability. Jointly owned by ADQ and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the company has aligned itself closely with the UAE’s national industrial strategy. Today, over 60% of Ducab’s production is exported; a testament to both the quality of its products and the global demand for its solutions. “In 2024, we reached a significant milestone with an In-Country Value (ICV) score of 96.89%, and now locally source 40% of our industrial raw materials,” said Gert Hoefman, Interim Group CEO, Ducab. “Our participation in Make it in the Emirates is a reaffirmation of our belief in homegrown capabilities and in the value of industrial collaboration.” INNOVATION, ENGINEERED IN THE UAE At the heart of Ducab’s success lies a deep-rooted culture of innovation. The company has developed over 85,000 cable variants,
tailored to meet complex requirements across sectors. Among its standout innovations is the GCC region’s first High Voltage Fiber Optic Cable; a smarter, more resilient solution built to handle the demands of a changing energy landscape. Ducab’s R&D team continues to push boundaries, integrating sustainable practices and engineering excellence into every product. “Our cables are not only made in the UAE; they are designed to endure the unique regional climate while supporting global benchmarks for performance and environmental responsibility,” added Hoefman. LOCAL MANUFACTURING, GLOBAL STANDARDS While international imports often dominate industrial supply chains, Ducab’s local manufacturing capabilities offer a competitive edge. By producing within the UAE, the company ensures faster delivery, bespoke support for regional projects, and rigorous quality control. Strategic partnerships with local industrial giants like Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Borouge further enhance this advantage, enabling Ducab to secure a reliable supply of high-quality ma-
CERTIFICATIONS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES Ducab’s commitment to quality is backed by a portfolio of global certifications, including ISO 9001, BASEC, LPCB UK, Lloyd’s Register, and KEMA. Each product is tested in world-class labs and independently verified, ensuring consistent excellence across all touchpoints. This rigorous compliance regime has helped Ducab establish a reputation for reliability in more than 75 markets worldwide. FUELING EXPORT AMBITIONS The Make it in the Emirates platform has played a key role in accelerating Ducab’s global expansion. “This event amplifies our export plans by connecting us with industrial partners and highlighting the UAE as a credible global manufacturing hub,” said Hoefman. “It allows us to scale with confidence while contributing to the country’s non-oil trade growth.” ALIGNING WITH UAE VISION 2031 Ducab’s journey is tightly aligned with the broader goals of UAE Vision 2031 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2030. By championing industrial diversification, pioneering sustainable technologies, and expanding its export footprint, the company is helping to shape a future built on knowledge, innovation, and resilience. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to powering the UAE’s progress — at home and on the global stage,” concluded Gert.